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SOUVENIR 

OF 

The Battle of Manila Bay 

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 




MAY 1st, 1898. 



Written in collaboration by C. A. Silk and J. J. Vanderveer 
on board the U. S. S. Baltimore, after the battle. 



The Sutton Press, Buffalo, N. Y. 




JOHN HICKEY 
A Buffalo boy on the U. S. S. Baltimore. 



INTRODUCTION TO ''ALL HANDS" 



"And 'tis most true that a merrier crew could scarce be found elsewhere'. 



"lATE will need in future years nothing to remind 

us of the great battle we fought in ]\Ianila Bay, 

on Sunday, :\ray 1st, 1898 ; but it will be pleasant 

to have, of the event, an appropriate "Souvenir," 

which is herewith submitted. 

The events recorded are as we saw them on board 
this good .ship, true to life. 

When creeping into the reminiscent age, to be able 
to place one's hand on something that brings to mind 
a time when, like our fathers, ' ' we shouldered a rifle, 
and to remember those who fought with us at the same 
gun, stood the same watches and messed at the same 
table ; to note each name on the roll, and each separate 
picture ; to recall them then as we see them now ; such 
a source of remembrance we hope this "Souvenir" 
will be to all who now form the crew of the U. S. S. 
"Baltimore." 

C. A. SILK - J. J. YANDERVEER. 
U.S.S. "BALTIMORE," 
Manila Baij. Philippine Islands; June, 1898. 



TELEGRAMS. 



THE SECRETAEY OF THE XAYY'S TELEGRAM TO 
COMMODORE DEWEY 

Washington, April 24th. 
"Dewey, Hongkong, China: — War has commenced between 
Spain and the United States. Proceed at once to Philij)- 
pine Islands. Commence operations at once, partieularlj- 
against the Spanish fleet. You nmst capture vessels or 
destroy them. Use utmost endeavours. ' ' 

' ' LONG. ' ' 

TELEGRAMS OF COMMODORE DEWEY TO THE SECRE- 
TARY OF THE NAYY. 

Manila. AIay 1st. 

■'The squadron arrived at Manila at day break this morning. 
Immediately engaged the enemy and destroyed the follow- 
ing Spanish vessels: " Eeina Cristina," " Castilla," 
"Ulloa," " Isla de Cuba," " Isla de Luzon." "General 
Lezo," '"Buero," " Correo," "Velasco," transport 
"Mindanao," and water battery at Cavite. The squadron 
is uninjured and only a few men slightly injured. The 
only means of telegraphing is to the American Consul at 
Hongkong. I shall communicate with him. 

• ' DEWEY. • ' 

Cavite, May 4th. 
' ' I have taken possession of Xaval Station at Cavite, on Philip- 
pine Islands. Have destroyed the fortifications at bay 
entrance, paroling garrison. I control bay completely and 
can take city at any time. The squadron is in excellent 
health and spirits. Spanish loss not fully known, but very 
heavy. 150 killed, including Captain, on " Eein<( Cristina." 
I am assisting in protecting Spanish sick and wounded. 
2.56 wounded in hospitals within our lines. Much excite- 
ment in Manila. Will protect foreign re:^idents. 

"DEWEY." 

TELEGRAM OF PRESIDENT McKlXLEY TO 
COMMODORE DEWEY. 

Washington, May 7th, 1898. 
"Dewey, care American Consul, Hongkong. The president, in 
the name of the American people, thanks you and j'our 
officers and men for your splendid achievement and over- 
whelming victory. In recognition, he has appointed you 
Rear Admiral, and will recommend a vote of thinks to you 
by Congress as a foundation for further promotion. 

"LONG, Secretary." 



U.S.S." BALTIMORE" 

AT THE 

BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. 



OUR FIRST NEWS OF THE WAR. 

"lATTrH our arrival at Hongkong on the morning of 
■• April 22nd, 1898, and finding the American 
Fleet, consisting of six war ships, one Revenue 
Steamer, and two transports, under command of Com- 
modore George Dewey, all lying close in shore, painted, 
with the exception of the transports, in war colour of 
bottle green, the first true intimation that war be- 
tween our country and Spain would be declared, was 
given us. So deceiving was this new coat of paint 
that it required the sharpest look-out at very close 
range to distingush the ships ; many supposing the 
English Cruiser '' Immortaliie" to be our Flagship 
"Olympia " How strange this color appeared, many 
of us seeing it for the first time, and so totally dif- 
ferent from the immaculate white we were accustomed 
to. The ships either moored, or anchored ready for 
slipping, ancl able to move at a moment's notice, were, 
it was said, only awaiting our getting in the same 
condition before sailing. 

To be docked, cleaned and painted from truck to 
keel, undocked, coaled, provisioned, and the hundred- 
and-one odd pieces of work finished in forty-eight 
hours, required no stronger incentive than the knowl- 
edge of all having to be "hustled" through. With 
rain coming down in torrents, the ship received her 
baptismal coat of "war paint." 

In the harbour was one Spanish flag flying on a 
small steamer, the " Isidoro Pons" of Barcelona, 
moored alongside the wharf, close to the dry dock. 

11 



MOVE ONE. 

A T 2 o'clock on the afternoon of April 24th the 
■^*- first move on the chess-board was made; the 
"Raleigh," "Boston," "Concord," "Petrel," 
"McCulloch" and the two transports "Nanshan" and 
"Zafiro" leaving the harbour. The next morning, at 
abont 9:50 o'clock, the Flagship signalled "Get under- 
waif," and shortly after 10 o'clock the last of the 
American Fleet sailed from Hongkong. This was the 
result of the publication of a proclamation of neu- 
trality, in the Queen's name, by the Governor of that 
city. ' 

Steaming at moderate speed till about 3 o'clock, we 
came to anchor in Mirs Bay, distant 30 miles from 
Hongkong. Here we found the remainder of the 
fleet at anchor. 

The next day, April 25th, at 2 p.m., the American 

(Consul at ^lanila, Mr. 0. F. Williams, who had come 

down the day before on the English steamer "Esmer- 

■alda," came on board. Half an hour later all ships 

were under-way, bound for IManila. 

]\Iuch surmising and wondering was engaged in 
during the next few hours, as not a word of war 
having been declared had reached us. Every man 
was in absolute ignorance of what was to be done until 
about 6 o'clock, when "all hands" were called aft 
and a short address was made by Captain Dyer. 
What he said will ever be engraven on our memory — 
words that none could hear without feeling \^ were 
indeed blessed in taking part in such a mission* Con- 
cluding, he said he was instructed by the Commander- 
in-Chief to read to us the Proclamation by the Gover- 
nor-General of the Philippines, a verbatim copy of 
which is as follows : — 

EXTROAEDIXAEY PROC?LAMATION BY THE GOVER- 
NOR-GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES. 

' ' Spaniards. — 
' ' Between Spain and the United States of North America, hos- 
tilities have broken out. 

12 



■ • The moment has arrived to prove to the world that we possess 
the spirit to conquer those who, pretending to be loyal 
friends, talio advantage of our misfortunes and abuse our 
hospitality, using means which civilized nations count un- 
worthy and disreputable. 

' * The North American people, constituted of all the social 
exeresences, have exhausted our patience and provoked war 
with their perfidious machinations, with their acts of 
treachery, with their outrages against the law of nations 
and international conventions. 

' ' The struggle will be short and decisive. The God of Victories 
will give us one as brilliant and complete as the righteous- 
ness and justice of our case demand. Spain, which counts 
upon the sympatliies of all the nations, will emerge triumph- 
antly from this new test, humiliating and blasting the 
adventures from those States that, without cohesion and 
without a history, offer to humanity only infamous tra- 
ditions and the ungrateful spectacle of Chambers, in which 
appear united insolence and defamation, cowardice and 
cynicism. 

' ' A squadron manned by foreigners, possessing neither in- 
struction nor discipline, is preparing to come to this archi- 
pelago with the ruffianly intention of robbing us of all 
that means life, honour, and liberty. Pretending to be 
inspired by a courage of which they are incajjable, the 
North American seamen undertake as an enterprise capable 
of realisation, 'the substitution of Protestantism for the 
Catholic religion you profess, ' to treat you as tribes re- 
fractory to civilization, to take possession of your riches 
as if they were unacquainted with the rights of property, 
and to kidnap those persons whom they consider useful to 
man their ships or to be exploited in agricultural or in- 
dustrial labour. 

' ' Vain Designs ! Eidiculous boastings ! 

"Your indomitable bravery will suffice to frustrate the attempt 
to carry them into realization. You will not allow the 
faith you profess to be made a mock of; impious han<ls 
to be placed on the temple of the true God; the images 
you adore to be thrown down by unbelief. The aggressors 
!-hall not profane the tombs of your fathers, they shall not 
gratify their lustful passions at the cost of your wives and 
daughters ' honour, or appropriate the property that your 
industry has accumulated as a provision for your old age. 
No, they shall not perpetrate any of the crimes inspired 
by their wickedness and covetousness, because your valour 
and patriotism will suffice to punish and abase the people 
that, claiming to be civilised and cultivated, have exter- 
minated the natives of North America, instead of bringing 
to them the life of civilization and of progress. 

13 



"Philippinys, prepare for the struggle and, united under tlie 
glorious Spanish flag, which is ever covered with laurels, 
let us fight with the conviction that victory will crown 
our efforts, and to the calls of our enemies let us oppose 
with the decision of the Christian and the patriot, the cry 
of ' ' ^'iva Espana. ' ' 

Your General, 

"BASILIO AUGUSTIN DAVILA. " 
"Manila, 2^^rd April, 1898." 

The Captain laid great stress on the venomous por- 
tions of this tirade, particularly on that which calls 
us "a nation without a history." He ended by tell- 
ing us our duty was "to capture or destroy the 
Spanish Fleet at'lVIanila," and assured us it would be 
done, bearing in mind the one true statement in the 
proclamation "that the struggle would be short and 
decisive." (How true this prophesy turned out to be, 
every one knows.) Such cheers as only men-of -wars- 
men' can give, followed his words, when Consul 
Williams was introduced. He spoke of "Our 
Country," "Our Captain and Officers," and paid a 
glowing tri])ute to our patriotism. Cheer after cheer 
followed his address, and the crew were "piped 
doivn." 

April 28th passed away quietly; one' ship, an Eng- 
lish tramp, being sighted. The squadron was benig 
cleared of all movable wood-work, nettings were 
placed under boats, and all combustible materials 
thrown overboard to prevent fires ; nothing remained 
undone. Another sail was sighted next morning at 
daylight— the "Zafiro" was sent to overtake her— 
after which she was allowed to proceed on her way. 



14 



MOVE TWO. 

■p^ARLY next day the "■Boston" and •'Convord"' left 
•'-' their positions in the line, going ahead of the 
fleet and disappearing about 9- o'clock. Shortly 
after, this ship left the column, steaming ahead at full 
speed, arriving at 4 p.m. at Subig Bay, Isla de Luzon, 
Philippine Islands. Sighting a small schooner flying 
the Spanish flag heading in for the shore, the first 
shot of the war on this side was fired across her bow. 
She immediately hove to, was boarded, and her captain 
brought on board. Being ignorant of the state of 
affairs and knowing nothing of importance he was let 
go. Shortly after 5 p.m., the remainder of the fleet 
came up, and the Flagship signalled "All Command- 
ing Officers repair on hoard.'' This was their last 
meeting before the battle. 

At 5 :20 p m. the fleet left Subig Bay for Manila, 
the weather being fine with scarce a puff of wind to 
ripple the sea that seemed like one large sheet of glass. 

At 10:30 p.m. ''General Quarters'' was sounded, 
sending each man to his station for battle; guns were 
loaded, ammunition of all kinds placed near at hand, 
and all other preparations made for immediate action. 
How willingly and with what eager anxiety each man 
performed his special duties. 

ENTERING THE HARBOR. 

nPHE lighthouse which marks the entrance to the 
■■• harbour is in total darkness and we follow the 
Flagship's stern light. An obscured moon is 
shining, a deathlike stillness pervades. Slowly we 
travel on towards the entrance to the harbour. AVhen 
very close, a brilliant flashing on our port hand is 
seen, which a few moments later is made out to be a 
signal. Thoughts of home, mother and friends rush 
through our minds, but above all we remember the 
mission on which we ai-e engaged, our duty to "Our 
Country. ' ' 

15 



PASSING THE FORTS. 

/^ORRIGIDOR looms up on our port hand, and we 
^ know we are passing their supposed impregnable 
forts at the entrance of the harbour, sometimes 
called the "Gibraltar of the Philippines." Not a 
light is shown on any of the ships except one at the 
stern, some being without that. Answering signals to 
those we saw outside are now being given, our ap- 
proach has been discovered and i.s signalled to those 
inside, but too late. The ''Ohjmpia" is safely 
through; we follow some 400 yards distant, and soon 
are also past. Hardly have we congratulated our- 
selves on this safe entrance (at 12:20 a.m.) when a 
roar rends the air, and the whizz of a shell, as it pas.ses 
over our stern, politely tells us the enemy are pre- 
pared. Some stoop, as if to avoid the shot, but it is , 
out of harm's way. "Keep cool" warns the Captain, 
and cool all are. No attention is paid to the answer- 
ing shots of the ''Boston" and "McCuUoch," and on 
we travel. 

Some think the enemy saw the stern light of the 
Flagship, as it was impossible to make out a vessel's 
lines, and they did not suspect our coming until a 
second light came into view Now and then rockets 
are seen, being fired from the shore, but no further 
shells come our way. All the ships have safely passed 
the forts and are out of their guns' range; no ship or 
shore lights can be seen; quiet reigns over all. Con- 
tinuing on our way uninterrupted, the word is next 
passed that the men may lie down at their guns ; som-; 
drop at the word, a few of whom fall into a dead sleep 
from sheer exhaustion. Others, whose duties do not 
permit, remain at their station (this number making 
a large majority) and keep their silent watch. What 
a strain the intervening hours were between this and 
the breaking of dawn on that memorable Sunday 
morning of INIay 1st, it is impossible to describe. 
With eyes and ears alert we look for some further sign 
of the enemy, but see none. Slowly the day dawns, 
but a mist still obscures the enemy's ships. Suddenly 

16 



the firing of a gun draws our attention, and the city 's 
forts bid us a pleasant good morning. Like magic each 
man is at his station ; superfluous clothing is quickly 
discarded ; every thing is ready awaiting the order to 
"commence firing." Gun captains with lock string in 
hand eagerly look for the word, but the time has not 
yet come. The forts in the city continue their fire, 
but the shells strike the water well out of harm 's way, 
and are unanswered. "Can we fire," gun captains 
ask? "Not yet" answers the Captain. Slowly, with 
the rising of the sun, the enemy's stronghold, Cavite, 
comes into view^ and the Spanish Armada is made 
out. The exact number of their vessels cannot be 
estimated. They seem to be anchored behind the 
point with lighters, filled with stone, to protect their 
front. 

At 5:05 a.m. the Flagship signals "Prepare for 
general action." We are are fully prepared — yet it 
stirs us to see the signal flying — and when a few 
seconds later "Old Glory" is floating defiantly from 
each masthead, we with difficulty restrain from cheer- 
ing. "Now men," says the Captain, "we have empty 
stomachs, but full hearts, let us see what we can do 
under this glorious old flag." It seems to us but a 
few moments before that the Governor General's blas- 
pheming message was read — a lie in every word — and 
we all "Remember the 'Maine ' " 

The enemy's ships are now in plain view. Their 
Flagship "Reina Cristina," moored, has opened fire. 
The others seem to be steaming out from Cavite in 
line of battle. Our flagship next signals "increase 
speed," and later "close up," which places our fleet 
in the intended formation. The enemy keeps up a 
brisk fire for a few moments, without an answer from 
our guns; when at 5:12 a.m., with every ship of the 
enemy well ranged, the first shot by the American 
Fleet is fired. 



17 



THE BATTLE-Move Three 

The "Ohmjpia'' commences hj discharging an en- 
tire broadside at the "Reina Cristina/' all our ships 
doing likewise as they pass in order. The smoke is 
dense, the air is stifling, but our fire never slackens. 
The "Cristina" appears to have been struck several 
times, and is seen to slip her moorings, retiring behind 
the breakwater. She evidently is on fire, but that 
seems soon smothered, and she returns to her posi- 
tion on the fighting line. A shell from one of our 
eight inch guns rakes the "CastUla" fore and aft. 
Shots are landing among the enemy's ships with 
dreadful effect, and though their fire is as heavy as 
ours, no damage to us is as yet done. The "Don Juan 
de Austria," steaming out a little further than the 
balance of the fleet, is immediately greeted with 
broadside upon broadside and is soon forced to retire. 
During this fire a torpedo boat is seen making her 
way under cover of the land tow^ards our fleet. Sud- 
denly changing her course she heads boldly on ; quick- 
ly the small guns play on her and she gives up the 
attempt, barely turning and making the friendly 
beach, completely disabled. A frantic cheer is given 
as a shell is seen to carry away the bridge of the 
"Castilla," and another when the " Reina Cristma" 
is seen to be again on fire. A crash through our side 
and we find an armour piercing shell has struck us; 
entering the starboard side through the hammock net- 
ting, it takes a downward course, cuts a great gasli 
in the deck, is turned by the steel beam the desk 
rests on, which it splits, then turrs upward, penetrat- 
ing both sides of the after engine room hatch, sending 
the gratings resting on it in the air several feet; on 
to the port side, where it tears a securing bolt from 
the six inch giui, tearing out four iron bolts ; finally 
recrosses the deck, strikes and bends a ladder on the 
ventilator, and falls wearity to the deck spinning 
like a top in its death agony. In falling it strikes 
and explodes a box of 3 pdr. ammunition, the pieces 
of which wound eight men. Five times we pass the 

18 



enemy's ships and fortifications, and each time their 
tire becomes weaker, while ours grows more destruc- 
tive. At 5000 yards our gunners have found the 
exact range and shoot like veterans. The enemy have 
also found the range and keep up a stubborn fire, 
but foo late. 

How cool our men are. Not even at ordinary tar- 
get practice is such marksmanship shown. One of the 
enerny 's transports is seen heading for the beach con- 
tinuing a weak fire, but she is let alone. From the 
liurning and disabled ships men are seen jumping 
in hordes, attempting to reach the shore. There is 
a decided lull in the battle now and, at 7.35, the Olym- 
pia signals "Withdmiv from action." 

It is not a welcome signal, but older and wiser 
heads than ours realize that we need a rest. Each 
ship of the American Fleet was struck a few times, 
but no serious damage was done. On board here 
besides the shot already mentioned, it M^as found 
that a small shell had pierced the starboard side 
underneath gun No. 2; another has struck the cowl 
oi the forward ventilator; two have entered the port 
side near the water line; another had cut the brace 
of the yard on the mainmast, and a last has made a 
clean hole through "Old Glory" flying at the stern. 
The wounded are nine in number, five of whom are 
again at their stations prepared for further work. 

SECOND ENGAGEMENT 

Move Four— "Mate" 

There has been neither time nor fire to cook any 
food, yet we all manage to procure a cup of coffee 
and a few hard tack, which is ample in our condition. 
Gazing around us, we first realize the almost complete 
destruction our terrific fire has caused. The smaller 
vessels of the enemy have retired, either overwhelm- 
ingly defeated or else useless. One is slowly sinking, 
three are afire, two others are being abandoned by 
those of their crew still living. At 10.15 a. m. the 
"Castilla" hauls down her flag, aflame from head to 

19 



stern. A territic explosion takes place on board the 
'' Cristina" and she becomes a mass of seething flame. 
How the time passes none realize ; it is now 10.45 
a. m., and the Flagship signals "Get underway." 
In answer to a second signal we are soon making full 
speed for a steamer sighted entering the harbour, and 
upon seeing she is fij^ing English colours, signal the 
fact to the Flagship, who in turn signals "Destroy 
Enemy's fortifications and hatteries." Being in ad- 
vance of the balance of our ships we are soon directly 
opposite Cavite, distant about 2,500 yards, and com- 
mence destroying all the batteries in sight. For some 
minutes this lire is continued with an occasional an- 
swer from the enemy ; the remainder of the fleet now 
.join us, and soon the forts are silenced. The "Petrel" 
and "Concord" steam slowly towards shore in answer 
to the Flagship's signal "Destroy enemy's sMpping," 
which work is soon accomplished. The "Petrel" is 
signalled to "Go inside," which she does. The "Con- 
cord" makes for the transport "Mindanao," which 
seems attempting to reach the beach; the "OJympia" 
coming up sends an eight inch shell into her side, put- 
ting her in flames and making a complete wreck. An 
occasional shot from our ships is still being fired 
wherever a Spanish flag is visible. At 12.40 p. m., 
through the thick smoke, the 'Petrel" can be seen 
making signal "The enemy Jias surrendered." The 
proud colors of Castilla are lowered and a white flag 
is fluttering to the breeze in their place. Cheers for 
"Old Glory" are given again and again, men dance 
themselves hoarse cheering each other. The most won- 
wildly round the deck, hands are shaken all round, 
[jiWT ships retire from the battle and the crews yell 
derful battle of modern times is over. Not a man on 
the American side killed or seriously wounded; not 
one of our ships that could not begin the day's work 
again without repairs. A stirring page has been 
added to Spanish-American history; the world will 
again acknowledge the greatness of the American peo- 
ple, and every American on the face of the globe will 
point with just pride to the ' ' Battle of Manila Bay. ' ' 

20 



The following is a list of vessels of both nationalities 
engaged in the battle, from which it will be seen that 
seven American ships were opposed to eleven of 
Spain : — 

AMERICAN SHIPS: 

^'Olympia/' {Flagship.) ''Baltimore." 
"Boston." "Raleigh." 

"Petrel." "Concord." 

and Revenue Cutter "McCulloeh." 

SPANISH SHIPS: 

"Reina Cristiua," (Flagship.) 
"Castilla." "El Cano." "Don Antonio de Ulloa." 
"Don Juan de Austria," ''Isla de Cuba " 
' ' Isla de Luzon. " " General Lezo. ' ' 

' ' :\Iarques del Duero. ' ' Argos. " " Velaseo. ' * 

IN THE ENGINE AND FIREROOMS. 

AT the sounding uf the " General Alarm" at 10:30 

-^^ on the night of Saturday, April 30th, the men of 

the Engine Force went to their stations in the 

Engine and Firerooms, not leaving them until 7:30 

next morning. 

What thoughts rushed through the minds of these 
men. far below the scene of open action, battened down 
in their respective compartments, in heat, cool and 
welcome at 120°, and thankful when the thermometer 
stopped at 140°, they alone can tell. As one man 
very frankly remarked, "if the Spaniards send me to 
hell, I'm getting a good start here." Somewhat 
blunt, but terribly true. Working 'midst fires, whose 
glare made the place seem like furnaces manned by 
imps, the men, clothless, but for a pair of overalls 
minus the legs, and thick shoes to protect their feet 
from blistering on the heated decks, toiled on, joking 
and silently encouraging one another almost in an- 
other world. Water, brought down as cool as could 
be had, quickly turned into steam, yet on they kept, 

21 



enduring in minutes, trials and hardships sufficient 
for many ripe old ages, not knowing what moment a 
shell wonld send them to eternity; these men were 
heroes in the true sense of the word. 

The great Talmage says : — "I once finished a very 
perilous voyage, and when the passengers were leaving 
the ship, they all thanked the Captain, but later, I re- 
membered that no one thought of the Engineers and 
Firemen, who, down in the bottom of the vessel, were 
toiling and faithfully doing the work that brought 
the ship safel.y through the storm." 

Take the Engineers and Firemen into your hearts, 
these largely unseen and unappreciated men. for the 
work they have dene and do ; you will find them bright 
and intelligent, often with great hearts and brains: 
the grime of tlieir work is only on the surface and a 
little water and soap cleans it all away, just as it does 
the powder and grime of battle on their brothers in 
other parts of the ship. 

IN THE MAGAZINES. 

OERTH Deck Cooks, making a clear majority of 
•■-^ the men detailed to tend the magazines and send 
up the monstrous shells and powder for guns, 
though stationed below, out of sound and hearing of 
all going on above decks, fared, through their own 
ingenuity and push^ like a happy family of boys and 
girls going on a Sunday excursion to Coney Island. 

At the call to "Quarters" early in Sunday morning, 
each one furnished — as his duties were for the moment 
completed — such part of the luncheon allotted, send- 
ing up sandwiches on top of armour piercers ; lime 
water, which was flavored with the enemy's smoke, 
coming down the hoists, and other luxuries too numer- 
our to mention. 

To pass away the hours that otherwise would have 
been long with suspense, the latest popular songs were 
sung, and old, well-worn jokes cracked, keeping time 
to the sending up of more powder and shell on deck. 

22 



All ill all the day passed pleasantly, considering 
how each sudden shock sounded to those not knowing 
its cause. 

NEAR THE DOCTOR'S QUARTERS 

/^X deck, distributed among the gun's crews, could 
be seen men wearing on their arms the insignia of 
the "Red Cross;" litters scattered here and there 
were ready to carry the wounded below, but not to a 
place of safety ; there being no such place in the ship. 
Happily, aside from the few^ receiving slight injuries, 
there was no need for the hundreds of suspicious look- 
ing bandages and instruments laid on the two long 
tables across the berth deck; but, had it not been for 
a shell considerately striking and entering the ship's 
• side a few feet abaft the surgical table, the end might 
have been another case of "biters being bitten." 

CAVITE, AFTER THE BATTLE. 

r^AVITE is situated on a low sandy spit about 9 
y^ miles from the city of ^lanila, and joined to the 
mainland by a low. narrow isthmus. Owing to 
swamps and a shallow bay intervening, the distance 
by road is over thirty miles before reaching the city 
proper. At the end of Cavite peninsula are two 
points, the outer and larger one called Sangley, and 
the inner, Cavite proper. On Sangley Point a bat- 
tery of two 15-cm. Krupp guns was mounted ; and at 
Cavite, a few old types of Armstrong muzzle-loading 
six inch guns over-looked the bay. Only one of these, 
a 16-cm. muzzle-loading rifle, was mounted in an effec- 
tive position ; this gun was left loaded when the place 
was abandoned; probably their ships, being within 
range, prevented its being fired. 

The buildings in the Navy Yard are of the sort 
usually seen in such places; store-houses, machine 
shops,' officers quarters, etc. Passing through, a few 
days after the battle, one could plainly see the effect 
of our ships' heavy fire. Huge gaps in walls and 
buildings showed signs of 8 and 6 inch shells having 

23 



penetrated, some of which could be traced through as 
many as three l)uildings before finally exploding. 
Deep pits in the earth showed further evidence of the 
day's work. 

In the living quarters, one look tells its own tale. 
Here, a table set with food was untouched; inside are 
garments, both inilitar.y and civilian, evidently hastily 
changed and thrown aside; desks hidden by falling 
papers and books, trunks overturned and their con- 
tents strewn aliout, while here and there could be seen 
a piece of half -finished sewing or lace work, apparent- 
ly dropped in terror wheu the first shell struck. 

What, a few days before, stood for the Command- 
ant's office, now showed nothing but a battered room. 
Oriental rugs, handsome upholstered chairs, huge 
mirrors, all destroyed; every building had a like story. 

THE SUNKEN SHIPS. 

/^L()SE in shore, resting on the bottom of the bay, 
^ the sunken ships can be seen, nearly all completely 
destroyed. No more will the soothing strains of 
the light guitar be heard around their decks, and 
neither will the latest bull fight be discussed in the 
corners. As, a few month's ago, our own ship, the 
''Maine," left a nation mourning — with nothing but 
a few masts to show where once was life^ — now can 
Spain look on this bay and see just retribution. 

The "Reina Cristina/' Admiral ^Montojo's Flag- 
ship, lies submerged to her gun decks ; a piece of wood 
and frame work show where her high bridge stood, 
from which their fight was directed. Half-a-dozen 
shells struck her funnels, piercing them through and 
through ; the after smokestack now leans against the 
forward one. The shield of a 6-pounder Nordenfeldt 
R F. gun on the topgallant forecastle was penetrated 
by a small shell, the explosion of which must have 
swept both the gun's crew and the crew of the gun 
directly opposite. Her port forward 16-em. gun 
shield shows where a shell of large calibre had entered, 

24 



causing the wrecking of its elevating gear. As our 
ships used explosive shells, the deaths this hit caused 
can be imagined. One shell can be traced, a foot be- 
low the water line, to have gone clean through her, 
striking her engine room in its course. 

The "Castilla" is almost completely submerged. 
She was a wooden cruiser with a metal skeleton, which 
is all that remains of her above the water line. Ribs, 
frames, ash hoists, gun shields — in fact everything 
above her lower deck — shows the awful battering she 
received. Hundreds of shot holes, striking in every 
conceivable part, make her present an awful example 
of the power of modern guns, well handled. Her bat- 
tery was a good one, but, as did all the other ships, 
she lacked the men to handle them. Not that there 
were not sufficient men on board her, but simply, they 
were not trained as our own were. One of the shells 
from our starboard 8-inch guns raked her fore and aft. 
There is not a spot in her five feet square without a 
shot hole. 

On boarding the "Don Antonio de VUoa," the same 
spectacle as that of the "Castilla' is seen. Sunk in 
the shallow water of the bay, her mainrail awash, and 
listed heavily to starboard, with a portion of her port 
rail above water at low tide, she shows punctures made 
by all sizes of shell, from the 3-pounder to the 8-inch ; 
many places indicating plainly where pieces of bursted 
shell had found their way out on the port side. In 
another instance, a shell had crossed her topgallant 
forecastle deck, striking a 6-pounder carriage mount, 
and bursting, had torn a large hole in the shield that 
had protected the gun's crew. Her deck is literally 
covered with .jagged boles, showing where shells had 
burst. As seen in her present position, with so little 
of her hull showing, but that little so eloquent of her 
desperate fight, one can only conjecture the fate of 
her crew. She was the last of the Spanish ships to go 
down, and sank with colors flying. 

So little of the ''Don Juan de Austria" is above 
water that her condition could not be determined. 

25 



T 



The steering gear on the bridge was broken and torn 
loose l)y a heavy projectile ; her tale can be imagined 
on seeing her wrecked and ])lood-bespattered pilot- 
house 

The "I si a de Luzon'' has a gmi monnt torn from 
its fastening, the training circle broken l)y the l)low. 
Neither she nor the "Ida de Ciiha" are serionsly in- 
jured, and many believe they were sunk by their dis- 
heartened commanders to prevent cai3ture. 

GENERAL REMARKS 

HE vessels being all sunk or burnt, no accurate 
estimate of the damage done can be made. There 
was no lack of all kinds of amnumition, but the 
result proves the miserable ability of the Spaniards 
as marksmen. Evidence, indicating it to have been 
the custom to fuze the shell just before loading, is 
gathered from the fact that two out of three shells 
backed out of the guns had transportation plugs 
instead of fuzes. Their gun's crews must have been 
badly i^xcited, or else intended to use them as batter- 
ing shell against the armour they no doubt believed 
our ship carried. On all the ships visited, many of 
the guns were loaded when the crew abandoned 
them. So sum up this terrible object lesson in 
modern warfare, one can only say that cool heads 
and unerring marksmen Avon the day. 



26 



PROCLAMATION BY THE REBEL LEADERS. 



nPHE following Proelaiuation Avas issued simultan- 
eously by the Rebel Leaders Avith that of the 
Governor-General of the Philippine Islands :— 

COMPATRIOTS ! 

The Divine Providence is about to place in(lepen.l(>nce within 
our reach, and in a way the most free and independent 
nation could hardly wish for. 

The Americans, not from mercenary motives, but for the sake 
of humanity, and the lamentations of so many presecuted 
people, have considered it opportune to extend their pro- 
tecting mantle to our beloved country, now that they have 
been obliged to sever relations with" Spain, owing to the 
tyranny this nation is exercising in Cuba, causing e^iormous 
injury to the Americans, who have such large commercial 
and other interests there. 

At the present moment, an American squadron is i)reparino- ft, 
sail for the Philippines. ^ 

We, your brothers, are very much afraid that you mav be in- 
duced to fire on the Americans. No, brothers, never make 
this mistake. Rather blow your own brains out, than fire 
one shot, or treat as enemies those who are your liberators. 

Your natural enemies, your executioners, the authors of your 
misery and your unhappiness, are the Spaniards who 
govern you. Against these you must raise your weapons 
and your odium. Understand well, against the Spaniards, 
and never against the Americans. 

Take no notice of the decree of the Governor-General calling 
you to arms, although it may cost you your lives. Rather 
die than be ungrateful to our American liberators. The 
Governor-General calls you to arms. What for? To de- 
fend your Spanish tyrants? To defend those that have 
despised you, and even in public speeches asked for your 
extermination, those that have treated you little better 
than savages? No; no! a thousand times no! 

Give a glance at history and you will see that all the wars 
undertaken by Spain in Oceania here sacrificed Philippine 
blood; we have been sent to fight in Cochin-China to assist 
the French, in an affair which in no way concerned the 
Philippines; we were compelled to spill our blood by 
Simon de Anda against the English, who in any case would 
have been better rulers than the Spaniards; every yqpr 

27 



our sous are taken away to be saeiificed iu MiuJanao auii 
Sulu, pretending to make us believe those inhabitants are 
our enemies, when iu reality they are our brothers, like 
us fighting for their independence. 

After having sacrificed our blood against the English, against 
the Annamites, against the Mindanaos, etc., what recom- 
pense or thanks have we received from the Spanish Goveru- 
menti Obscurity, proverty, the butchery of our dear ones. 
Enough, brothers, of this Spanish tutelage! 

Take note, the Americans will attack by sea and prevent any 
reinforcements coming from Spain ; therefore the insurgents 
must attack by land. Probably you will have more than 
sufficient arms", because the Americans have arms and will 
find means to assist us. 

There, where you see the American flag flyiug, assemble in 
numbers; "they are our redeemers. 

Our unworthy names are as nothing, but one and all invoke the 
name of the gi-eatest patriot our country has seen, in the 
sure and certain hope that his spirit will be with us in 
these moments and guide us to victory, our immortal 
JOSE RIZAL. 

A SPANISH OPINION BEFORE THE BATTLE. 

^HE following- is a translation of an Editorial 
which appeared in the leading paper of ^Manila 
''El Diario de Manila," on April 29th:— 
Some of our enemy's colleagues comment with alarm upou the 
arrival at Hongkong of the North American Pacific 
Squadron. In this they seem to sec a menace to the 
Philippines. 

Tnder this head we feel under obligation to say a few words. 

Remain tranquil, we will not allow ourselves to be unnecessarily 
alarmed by those persons who, like -the ostrich, hide their 
wings, and rest in fancied security. We will view the 
question reduced to its just proportions. 

The rendezvous of those five North American ships, which they 
have dignified with the name of a squadron, is not a 
serious menace to our dominion in the Philippines; no 
more than was the invasion of the English in 1762, for 
the audacious Britions left for their health after being 
sufficiently punished. 

The London telegrams assert that these men-of-war united at 
Hongkong are the iron-clads "Olumpia," "Boston," 
"Saleigh," "Concord" and the gunboat "Petrel" 

28 



There is not amoug tlieiii a single ironclad. The 
*' Olympia" is a fine cruiser with a protective deck, but no 
armour or protection for her battery; her displacement is 
5800 tons, and she has a supposed speed of 21 knots, but 
the real speed is much less as she has not been docked for 
some time. 

She was sent to this part of the Pacific after the beginning of 
the Hawaiian question. 

The "Boston" and " Ealeigh" are eruisere of the 2ud class, 
also with protective decks, doubtless very thin, with a 
displacement of 3189 and 3183 tons respectively; their 
armament offers nothing extraordinary for vessels of their 
type. 

The "Concord" and "Petrel" are protected gunboats of 1700 
and 890 tons respectively, and with a very moderate speed; 
at the extreme we would assign to them a speed of 14 
knots. 

From this data, it will be seen that this is not a squadron to 
cause a single tremor to the Spanish power in the Philip- 
pines. Apart from this, we have here our own cruisers 
of more than 3000 tons, and others of 1000 tons and very 
many gunboats; we also have land batteries, which can do 
very effective work against the North American ships. 
If one of our projectiles should penetrate one of them and 
disable their machinery, they would have no opportunity 
of repairing it. 

We do not believe that the United States ships will attempt 
such a doubtful adventure. Nevertheless, we cannot con- 
sider that the Yankees are merely making a straw fire. 
Then, with what object, have they mobilized their squadron 
at Hongkong ? For the same reason that they have at 
Lisbon a little squadron, consisting of the medium sized 
ship ' ' San Francisco, ' ' which in loss than an hour the 
' ' Maria Theresa ' ' or any similar ship of our fleet could 
destroy. The object of this is to make us believe that not 
only Cuba, but the Philippines and the Spanish peninsula 
will be attacked, from the four sides at once as it were. 
As we have so often said, the North Americans are merely 
testing the strength of our Government. They do not 
care for war, but expect to gain all the success that war 
would give them, by assuming their strategic positions. 
Looked at in this light, the approximate visit of the North 
American fleet to the Philippines, is not sufficient to raise 
a single fear, much less to produce the moral effect in- 
tended by the Washington Government. It all looks more 
like the movements of pieces on a chess-board, whereby the 
Government at Washington is attempting to force move- 
ment on the part of the Sagasta cabinet. To gain the 

29 



advantii^e without loss to liiniself, is the whole object of 
MfKiiilcy 's play. 

XoTE. — In less than forty-eight hours after the publication of 
iJiis article, our little- fleet had sunk the Spanish ships, and 
u-hitc flags were waving in profusion on both Cavita and 

tlie Ciiji of Manila. 

THE NAVAL BATTLE OF CAVITE. 

T^IIE following is a further extract from the "El 
*■ Diurio de Manila," published after the Battle, 
on 4th May, 1898 :— 

A XAYAL SURPRISE. 

WJieii the enemy's squadron was sighted in perfect line of 
battle through the clouds of a misty dawn on the morning 
of the 1st of May, gloom and surprise were general among 
the people of Manila. At last these ships had strained 
their boldness to the point of appearing on our coast and 
defying our batteries, which showed more courage and 
valor than effect when they opened fire on the squadron. 
It needs something more than courage to make projectiles 
penetrate — indeed it does! 

EVERY MAN TO HIS STATION. 

The inequality of our batteries, when compared with those of 
the squadron which alarmo<l the inhabitants of Manila at 
five in the morning, was enough to transform the tranquil 
character of our tropical temperaments. 

While ladies and children in carriages or on foot fled in fright 
to seek refuge in the outlying suburbs and adjacent villages 
around the Capital Irom danger, multiplied by their 
imagination, every man fioni the stately personage to the 
most humble workman, merchants and mechanics, Spaniards 
and natives, soldiers and civilians, all we rejjeat, sought 
their stations and put on their arms, confident that never 
should the enemy land in Manila, unless he passed over 
their corpses. Yet, from the first moment, the strength of 
the enemy's armour and the power of his guns, demon- 
strated that his ships were invulnerable to our energies and 
armaments, the hostile squadron would never had entered 
our bay had not its surety been gxiaranteed by its manifest 
su])eviority. 

SPECTATORS AND OBSERVERS. 

The city walls, the church towers, the roofs of high buildings, 
and ail high jilaces convenient for observation were occu- 
pied by those who were not retained by their military duties 

30 



witliin tlie walls, on the bridges, or at the advanced posts. 
Ihe slightest details of the enemy's ships were eagerly 
noted as they advanced towards Gavite in a line parallel 
with the beaches of Manila, as though they had just came 
out of the Pasig River. There was no gaps in the line 
but the curious public hardlv realized the disparity be- 
tween their great guns and the pieces mounted oA our 
fortifications. Some had glasses and others were without 
but all seemed to devour with their eves these strangers 
who, while brave, were not called upon to show their 
courage, since the range of their guns and tlie weakness 
of our batteries enabled them to preserve thir impunity 
while doing as much harm as they pleased. 

REMARKS OF THE PEOPLE. 

All who appreciated tJie impunity with which the hostile ships 
manoeuvred, as if on a harmless parade, were full of such 
rage and desperation as belongs to the brave man who can 
make no use of his courage; to whom remains no remedy 
except an honorable death rather than a cowardly in- 
activity. 

A soldier of the First Battalion of Cazadores gazed at the 
squadron sweeping over the waters out of reach of the fire 
of our batteries, looked out and at the ships, and then 
towards heaven, saying "If Holy Mary would turn that 
sea into land, the Yankees would fincf out how we can 
charge in double time." And a crouching native staring 
out at the ships said, ".Just let them come ashore and 
give us a whack at them. ' ' 

On they stood at full speed in column of battle, heading for 
Cavite, with the decision due to a sense of 'safety and a 
firm assurance of success. 

THE FIGHT SEEN FROM MANILA. 

For more than an hour and a half the bombardment held in 
suspense those whose souls followed the unequal struggle, 
in which the Spanish ships went down with their glorious 
banners flying. 

What was going on in the waters of Cavite? From Manila we 
saw through glasses, the two squadrons almost mingled to- 
gether in the clouds of smoke. This was not far from a 
triumph for our side, considering the weakness of our 
batteries. For once alongside the enemy, the cry of 
"Boarders Away! " and the flash of cold steel might have- 
enabled our devoted seaman to disturb the calm in which 
watches and instruments were regulated and directing those 
engines of destruction. In the blindness of our rage how 
should we paint the heroic deeds the prowess, the waves of 

31 



valor which burst forth from our men-of-war? Those who 
fought beneath the Spanish flag bore themselves like men, 
as t-hosen sons of our native land, who never measure 
forces, nor yield to superior force in the hands of an 
enemy; who would rather die without ships than live in 
ships which have surrendered. 

To name those who distinguished themselves in battle would re- 
quire the jniblication of the entire muster rolls of our ships 
from Captain to Cabin boy. To these victorious seamen 
of ours we offer congratulations; laurels for the living; 
prayers for the dead; for all our deepest gratitude. 

Since we cannot re-construct the bloody scene which was ex- 
hibited last Sunday in the waters of Cavite, we will not 
attempt a description, which would only be a pale shadow 
of great deeds deserving a peri>etual place in the pages 
of history. 

When the hostile squa<lron turned toward Cavite, the crew of 
the steamer "Isla de Mindanao''' heard the drums beating 
to quarters, and answered wnth enthusiasm, three rounds 
of cheers for the King, for the Queen, and for Spain, which 
echoed along our line. 

Later, until a quarter to five, absolute silence reigned. Every- 
thing was ready. The idea of death was lost in ardour for 
the fray, and every eye was fixed on the battle flags waving 
at our" mastheads. In perfect and majestic order — why 
should we deny this? — the nine Yankee ships advanced in 
battle array. The "OJumpia" bearing the Admiral's Hag, 
led the column, followed by the other ships, steering at 
full speed towards Cavite. 'The '' Ohimpia" opened fire, 
and an instant reply came from the battery on the mole, 
which kept on firing at five minute intervals, while the 
iron-clad shaped her course for the " Beina Cristina" and 
"CastiVa." Into both these ships she poured a steady 
and rapid fire, seconded by the ships which followed in 
her wake. Another ship, which directed a heavy fire on 
our line, was the "Baliim-ore," and so the cannonade 
went on until a quarter to eight. At that monent the 
"Don Juan de Ausiria" advanced against the enemy, in- 
tending to board the "Ohinipia/' and if a tremendous 
broadside had not stopped her self-devoted charge, both 
shijis perhaps would have sunk to the bottom. 

The Captain of the "Eeina Cristina," seeing that the resolute 
attempt of his consort had failed, advanced at full speed 
until within 200 vards of the " Olympia," aiming to at- 
tack her. Then a shower of projectiles swept the bridge 
and decks, filling the ship with dead and wounded. 

Heroes and martyrs, whom the nation will remember, as long 
as it endures! 

32 



A dense eolumu of smoke from the bow-compartment showed 
that an incendiary projectile, such as the law of God and 
men prohibits, had set fire to the cruiser. The ship, still 
keeping up her fire on the enemy, withdrew toward the 
arsenal, where she was sunk to keep her from falling- into 
the hands of the Yankees. 

The desperation of the men of the " Beina Crist ina" was ag- 
gravated bj- the sight of the ' ' CastiUa ' ' also in a blaze, 
from a similar use of incendiary projectiles. 

The principal ships of our little sciuadrou having thus been put 
out of action, the Yankee vessels, some of them badly 
crippled by the fire of our ships, and the batteries at Point 
Sangley, stood out toward Mariveles and the entrance of 
the bay, ceasing their fire, occupying themselves in re- 
pairing injuries until ten o 'clock, when they began a 
second attack to complete their work of destruction. 

In this second assault the fire at the arsenal was extinguished 
and they continued to connouade the blazing gunboats. 

One gunboat, which seemed to have nothing more venturesome 
to undertake, detached herself from the Squadron and set 
to work to riddle the mail steamer " Islu de Mindanao." . 

Now that the ships were in flames, the Admiral, Senor Montojo, 
who had shown his flag as long as there was a vessel afloat, 
landed, and hostilities ceased. 

The only Spanish ship which had not been destroyed by fire 
or by the enemy 's protectiles, sunk herself so that she could 
in no wise be taken. 

Such, in broad outlines, which we cannot correct at this moment, 
was the naval battle of Cavite, in which the last glimpse 
of our squadron showed the Spanish flag. 

A thousand sensational details have reached us, which we would 
reproduce gladly, after the necessary corrections, if our pen 
would serve for anything, except to sing the glory of these 
.martyrs of the nation. 

Perhaps to-morrow or another day, with fuller knowledge of 
the facts, we can furnish our readers with many interesting 
details. To-day we limit ourselves to a sketch of the grand 
picture which was unrolled before us on the first of May, 
begging our friends to excuse the defects which they may 
note. 

THE KILLED AND WOUNDED. 

Killed: — The Captain, Chaplain, Clerk and Boatswain of the 
^' Beina Cristina." 

33 



Wounded: — The Captains of the "Castillo" and "Bon Antonio 
de Ulloa. ' ' 

The Executive Officer of the " Eeina Cristiiui." 
A Lieutenant of the "Don Juan de Austria." 
The Paymaster of the ' ' Ulloa, ' ' the second Surgeon 
of "the "Ulloa," and Chief Engineers of the 
"CriMina" and " Atistria." 

VIGILANCE. 

By naval authority the most careful watch was kept in the 
river as well as on the coast to secure the defence of the 
port. 

BATTEEIES. 

The gunners of the batteries defending Manila and Cavite 
showed the highest degree of energy and heroism. Every 
one applauds the brave artillerymen who by their calmness 
and skill, did all that was possible with the guns assigned 
to them, allowing for their deficiences and imperfections. 

The battery that did most harm to the enemy was the one on 
Point "Sangley, made up of Hontosia guns. From one of 
these guns came the shot which the "Boston" received, 
while four ships, which had altogether 65 guns, were pour- 
ing their fires on this battery to reduce it to silence. One 
gun having been crippled, the other kept on playing, firing 
whenever damage could be done and avoiding waste of 
ammunition. 

To one of its shots is attributed the hurt, which turned the 
"Baltimore" from the fight. This gun must have greatly 
annoved the Yankees, to judge by the efforts they made 
to silence its fires, following it up until six gunners had 
been killed and four wounded. 

On this account it is proposed to demand the bestowal of the 
laurel wreathed cross of San Fernando to the valiant 
gunners who served this l)attery. 

The Lueuta battery at Manila, which assailed the Yankee ships 
with much vigor, was the object of the enemy's siD^cial 
attention, as he stood past the fortifications of Manila, 
heading for Cavite. 

Guns were also mounted at the entrance of the bay on Cor- 
regidor and Caballo Islands, on El Fraile rock, on the 
south shore at Point Restinga and at Mariveles, Punta 
Gorda and Point Lasisi en the north shore. The guns on 
Corregidor Island were of about six-inch calibre; similar 
guns were mounted on the rock and on Point Restinga. 
The other batteries had guns of smaller calibre and short 
range. 

34 



KINJ) TKEATMENT. 

The Spanish Chib, ever earnest in remedying misfortune, gave 
liberal help to the refugees who survived from our ships 
"t war. ' 

BEEAD AND WATER. 

Doubtless the Civil Commission has arranged to secure supplies 
tor the city, but it is certain since Sunday there has been 
great scarcity of every thing, and speculators have got 
wliat prices they care to ask for articles of prime necessity. 

Already people are growing calmer and the shops are open, and 
It IS to be expected that Manila will go on resuming her 
usual life and animation. 

THE COUNTRY RESPONDS. 
The great masses of the rural population of the Philippines, as 
well as the leaders of the nation, have responded like loyal 
sons of Spain, sharing our pains and assisting in our 
labors. 

TELEGRAM. 

The -Admiral, Senor Montojo, has received a telegram of con- 
gratulation from the Minister of Marine, who. in his own 
name, and in the name of the C^ueeu of Spain, felicitates 
the Navy of this Archi^jelago for gallant behaviour on the 
day at Cavite. These are the terms of the telegram re- 
ferred to: "Honor and glory to the Spanish Fleet which 
fought so heroically in the bay. ' ' 

NO PAPERS. 

After two days of silence, in which our paper failed to see the 
light by reason of exceptional circumstances occuring in 
Manila, and well known to all the public, we return to our 
regular issues, trusting in the good will of our subscribers. 



35 



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